Andrew Sorenson joined the South Dakota State wrestling coaching staff in the spring of 2012. Sorenson brought work ethic, enjoyment and a desire to win to the Jackrabbit program.

In Sorenson’s two years in Brookings, the Jacks have gone 11-20, after a 6-8 2013-14 campaign. SDSU qualified three wrestlers for the NCAA Wrestling Championships in Oklahoma City, Okla., and beat Wyoming for the first time in school history in a neutral-site dual in Gillette, Wyo.

SDSU finished fifth at the NCAA West Region/WWC Championships in Orem, Utah. Alex Kocer and Cody Pack won the 149 and 157-pound weight class, respectively. Joe Brewster joined Kocer and Pack at the NCAA Championships by way of an at-large bid, making it the first time in SDSU history that three Jacks qualified for the NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships.

In his first year as assistant coach of the South Dakota State Jackrabbits, Sorenson helped lead the team to a 5-12 dual record, 1-4 Western Wrestling Conference record and fifth in the conference standings. The team qualified one wrestler for the NCAA Championships via the West Regional.

SDSU scored its most notable win and first win versus a major conference opponent since transitioning to Division I in its season opener. The Jacks defeated Big Ten opponent Indiana 19-18 at the Huskie Duals in DeKalb, Ill.

The SDSU coaching staff ushered in a new era in Jackrabbit wrestling with the sixth-best recruiting class in the nation (The Open Mat, Amateur Wrestling News). Eight student-athletes joined the wrestling team on signing day, including three ranked by AWN. The No. 6 ranking made it the best recruiting class for any sport in the history of Jackrabbit athletics.

While coaching, Sorenson continued his wrestling career in the spring of 2013 and competed at the U.S. Open in Las Vegas, Nev.

Sorenson, a two-time national qualifier for Iowa State, finished his career with a 93-31 overall record, including a 42-9 mark in dual meets. He was a two-time Big 12 Conference placewinner, taking third in 2010 and second in 2012.

He also earned numerous athletic and academic honors in his time at ISU including: Team Captain, Total Commitment Award, Outstanding Wrestler Award, Dr. Wise Burroughs Leadership Award and the Iowa State University Academic Award.

Sorenson also spent time as a volunteer strength and conditioning coach at his alma mater during the past season. He trained NBA prospect Royce White, along with Olympic sport student-athletes and many Cyclone sports teams.

“I am excited that Andrew has agreed to become part of the Jackrabbit family,” Bono said. “He is one of the hardest workers I have ever coached in my career and will bring passion and intensity to our program. He is fresh out of college and will be someone who can get on the mat every day with our student-athletes. Andrew is a perfect fit for Brookings and SDSU Wrestling.”

A native of Woden, Iowa, Sorenson won a Class 2A state title at Woden-Crystal Lake-Titonka High School. He placed in two other seasons, as well, and finished his career with a 155-10 prep record.

Sorenson graduated from ISU with a degree in kinesiology-health fitness management and is working towards a Master’s degree in educational leadership and policy studies.